The Delhi High Court on Friday directed that the status quo be maintained on the removal of social media posts and reports published by senior journalist Ravish Kumar and digital news platform Newslaundry concerning the Adani Group of Companies.
Justice Sachin Datta, while hearing petitions filed by Kumar and Newslaundry, took note of the submissions made by Adani Enterprises that it would not press for further removal of content beyond what existed on the platforms as of 12 noon on September 26.
“It is agreed that in case the petitioners have already taken down any material, the same shall not be re-uploaded,” Justice Datta clarified. The arrangement will remain in force until the trial court adjudicates the main suit filed by Adani Enterprises.
The court also recorded the submissions of the Centre’s counsel, who explained that the government’s earlier communication to Kumar and Newslaundry—asking them to remove certain reports and videos—was merely relaying a civil court’s interim order. The counsel further informed that the government had subsequently conveyed to the parties the later court directions staying the gag order.
In view of this, Justice Datta observed that “the Union of India will address a corrigendum to the petitioners” to formally clarify its position.
With this understanding, the high court disposed of the pleas by Kumar and Newslaundry, who had challenged the Centre’s purported takedown direction. The court’s order effectively ensures that no new demands for removal of content will be made against the petitioners until the underlying defamation suit initiated by Adani Enterprises is resolved.
